The 2021 NFL Draft media buzz is all about the quarterbacks these days.
We hear daily stories about Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, BYU’s Zach Wilson, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, and Alabama’s Mac Jones.
Today’s story is focused on the fifth of the fab five NFL draft quarterbacks: Ohio State’s Justin Fields.
His Pro Day was yesterday, coincidentally on the same day as Mac Jones’ second Pro Day at Alabama.
Lately, the hoopla has been on Jones because of the widespread speculation that the 49ers traded up to third to get him.
It’s unclear who is planning to draft Fields, but he put everyone on notice yesterday that he is ready to go.
Part 1: His 40 Was Really Fast.
There have been fast 40’s from quarterbacks, but Justin Fields ranks among the fastest.
Only 1st-Round QB to run a faster 40 time at the Combine since 2006 than Justin Fields’ unofficial 4.44 today was Robert Griffin III, who ran a 4.41 at the 2012 Combine. https://t.co/dDLMkPgtwA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 30, 2021
Take RGIII‘s resulting career out of the discussion, no one can dispute the speed he possessed, and Fields has it too.
4️⃣.4️⃣4️⃣ 💨
QB Justin Fields with an impressive 40 time at his pro day 👀
🎥 @NFLBrasilpic.twitter.com/JTMm3DUiIl
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 30, 2021
Part 2: Big And Accurate Throws
Overthrows at Pro Day do not elicit much praise, but Justin Fields did not have to worry about that.
He was airing it out and with amazing accuracy.
Justin Fields is dropping dimes at his pro day. This one is gorgeous.pic.twitter.com/z2IfVGwdcx
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) March 30, 2021
He did not have just one that amazed the onlookers; there were many.
.@justnfields made his case today 🔥 @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/v5ANWTVWT9
— NFL (@NFL) March 30, 2021
Part 3: Coach’s Endorsement
Ohio State’s Coach Ryan Day believes Justin Fields is the real deal.
“Whatever they teach in terms of a scheme, he’s going to pick that up very, very quickly. And he’s very, very competitive. So when you combine the talent, the size, the arm strength, his competitiveness, his toughness, his intelligence, it kind of checks all the boxes. If you were trying to design a quarterback, to me, Justin fits that prototype.”
This is music in the ears of NFL scouts, coaches, and analysts.
In the context of what pro days are/ what they aren’t, Justin Fields was 🔥 today. Even more importantly, what I loved most was what his coaches said about Justin and where he is at in his development. With good #NFL staff, he is going to be a star. Super impressive young man.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 30, 2021
Just had a scout text me from the Ohio State pro day.
“That was the best QB workout I’ve seen in a while”@justnfields
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 30, 2021
Fields Is Willing To Do It All Again
Justin Fields knows that the San Francisco 49ers went to Mac Jones’ Pro Day.
He is willing to work out for Coach Shanahan and GM Lynch at a second Pro Day which is likely to occur in April before the NFL Draft begins on April 29.
Shanahan has worked with Fields in the past at a QB camp so he is familiar with his skills.
We won’t have to wait much longer to see where the fab five quarterbacks go in draft order and to which teams.
All of our questions will soon be answered.
The 2021 NFL Draft held in Cleveland starts on April 29 and goes through May 1.
